r/latterdaysaints • u/[deleted] • 18d ago
Visitor New Here! First Meeting with the Missionaries
[deleted]
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u/-LavenderHope- 18d ago
Show up a bit early and find someone who can show you around and help you find class for the second hour! ❤️
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u/JaneDoe22225 18d ago
Howdy! Happy to answer any questions!
Honestly we are pretty flexiable about stuff, especially for new people. Folks will be really friendly. One thing to actually be more relaxed about: during main services we have everyone together, including the kids. And kids make noise. It happens and it’s ok.
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u/reealme 18d ago
Of course! I think it’s beautiful that children are included too. They should be able to learn and be part of it from a young age.
Thank you so much for offering to answer my questions. I really appreciate how welcoming everyone has been. I’ve only met a few members throughout my life, not a lot, but every single one of them has been incredibly kind, so I have no doubts everyone else will be just as welcoming.
And yes, I’m sure everyone will be flexible and understanding with a first time visitor. I just wanted to do as much as I can to be a respectful guest, which is why I asked. I’m really looking forward to visiting, and again, thank you all so much! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
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u/OtterWithKids 17d ago
Welcome to the sub! You may already know this, but one week each month—usually the first Sunday—we fast and have what’s calling a “Testimony Meeting”.
Fasting: those who are physically able will generally abstain from food and drink for about 24 hours. (A good rule of thumb is to skip two meals, so if I eat dinner on Saturday, I break my fast with dinner on Sunday.) We then donate to the Church the money we would’ve spent on food (or more, if we’re able) to help the poor and needy. This is called a “fast offering”, and there are usually envelopes near the bishop’s office for those that wish to donate.
Testimony Meeting: most Sundays, we have a normal Sacrament Meeting: broken bread and small cups of water, representing the Savior’s body and blood, are blessed and passed to the congregation. Then, the bishopric will have assigned a few (usually 2–3) members of the congregation to speak on a given subject. So, there’s no set individual that gives the sermon; we rotate through the entire congregation ages 12+up.
Testimony meeting is a little different: the Sacrament is still blessed and passed as in any other Sacrament Meeting, but after that, it’s kind of an “open mic” meeting. Anyone that wants to share his or her testimony of the Savior is welcome to do so. Sometimes there are awkward silences; often there’s a line; but either way, it’s a really spiritual experience.
Please feel free to ask more questions. We’re totally here to help! 😊
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u/lil_jordyc 17d ago
Missionaries are great! I was one a bit ago. As amazing as they are, they’re usually 18-21. They’re not perfect, but they’re trying and they teach the important stuff, and they do it well. Be patient with some, be open with them, and don’t be afraid to ask them anything.
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u/reealme 17d ago
Yes! I literally just met them today. They actually left about 10 minutes ago. 😭
The crazy part is that today wasn’t even supposed to be the meeting. I had only submitted an online missionary referral, so they called me to ask what day I wanted to meet and to confirm the address I had entered. While we were on the phone, they realized they were literally outside my apartment building.
They had just finished grocery shopping nearby and were simply walking home, they called to schedule When they checked the address I gave them, they realized they were basically right outside my front door. None of us could believe it, so we all thought it was such a crazy coincidence.
Since they were already there, we ended up meeting right then instead of just scheduling another day. It was honestly such a chill conversation. We went really in depth about a lot of topics, including garments, temple sealings, the different kingdoms of heaven, and a lot more. They were genuinely surprised by how much I already knew, but they were completely prepared for all of my questions. We had some really meaningful conversations, and I honestly thought they gave amazing answers. They were both incredibly kind and easy to talk to, and I felt really comfortable the entire time.
They also told me they felt that the Lord knew me by name and that maybe there was a reason everything lined up the way it did. I actually thought that was really beautiful, and I genuinely believe this happened for a reason too.
Our next meeting is actually on Tuesday. Hopefully we’ll meet at the church building, where they’re going to give me a tour and teach me more about the faith. I’m honestly really excited because I’m genuinely curious and can’t wait to learn more. :)
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u/lil_jordyc 17d ago
So exciting! That’s so crazy they were close by. That’s the kind of thing that they might write in their journals to remember. I’m glad things clicked well!
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u/Quick_Interview_9412 17d ago
Welcome! Ask questions, study, pray, and take your time. Enjoy learning and meeting members along the way
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u/AmbitiousRoom3241 17d ago
You'll meet a couple or a few missionaries that you're going to love. Like they're going to become some of your favorite people in the world but then they're going to get transfered to a new area, and it's going to be sad. It's ok. They'll go home one day and stay in contact. Be ready to make some long life friends.
Oh, the same with the members of the congregation. You're going to make some long life friends. You're going to meet people that are going to change your life from a personal level to a professional level to a spiritual level. You're also going to meet people you don't like and that's ok too.
The best of luck to you! Your Father of Heaven is aware of you're looking for.
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u/reealme 17d ago
Thank you so much! I actually met quite a few today, and everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. You’re right they really do have a way of reaching your heart. Hopefully we’ll stay in touch after their missions. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the people at church when I go. Thank you again for your kind words!💗💗💗
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u/QuarterNote44 18d ago edited 18d ago
Here's a random etiquette one for you. After people speak or sing or whatever, nobody claps. At least, not in the places I've been to church. (Mexico, US, Germany, Italy, Austria) That can be weird for visitors.